Insole

ABSTRACT

An insole includes a deformable, resilient cavity that acts as an air pump as the wearer walks or runs while wearing a shoe or other footwear having the insole placed therein. Pressure applied to the insole by the wearer&#39;s foot during each cycle of the wearer&#39;s gait may depress the air pump, thereby forcing air through channels leading to air outlet holes at the foot bed surface of the insole. As pressure is released by the wearer lifting the foot, the air pump can expand, thereby drawing in air through a one-way air inlet valve.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present disclosure is related to an insole. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to a shoe insole having an air circulation pump.

Related Art

Typical footwear may be made of several components. One such component is the insole, the interior bottom of a shoe or other footwear. The insole sits directly beneath the wearer's foot. Numerous insole designs have been implemented to attempt to cushion the wearer's foot while providing adequate foot support, thereby enhancing the comfort of the wearer. Other insole designs are created to absorb perspiration and/or foot odors.

Many shoes include removable insoles, while others are built permanently into a shoe. For many shoes, the stock insole may be replaced with another insole that was purchased separately from the footwear and selected based on personal preferences and/or comfort needs of the wearer.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an insole is disclosed. The insole has an air pump cavity beneath a heel portion of the insole, a one-way air inlet valve in communication with the cavity, and at least one air channel in communication with the cavity. The air pump cavity is open to an underside of the insole. The at least one air channel is directed toward a front of the insole. The at least one air channel leads to an outlet hole at a foot bed surface of the insole. The at least one air channel is open to the underside of the insole.

In another embodiment, a method for using an insole with a footwear is disclosed. The method includes putting the footwear on a foot, the insole being placed within the footwear; while taking a step, compressing the air pump cavity, thereby expelling air from the air pump cavity, through the at least one air channel, and out the outlet hole; lifting the foot, thereby releasing pressure from the air pump cavity and causing the air pump cavity to expand and take in air through the out-way air inlet. The insole has an air pump cavity beneath a heel portion of the insole, a one-way air inlet valve in communication with the cavity, and at least one air channel in communication with the cavity. The air pump cavity is open to an underside of the insole. The at least one air channel is directed toward a front of the insole. The at least one air channel leads to an outlet hole at a foot bed surface of the insole. The at least one air channel is open to the underside of the insole.

The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description, and any preferred or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only so that this disclosure will be thorough, and fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an insole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts a bottom view of an insole in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts a top rear perspective view of an insole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a bottom rear perspective view of an insole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a bottom side perspective view of an insole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a view of an insole inlet port according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a shoe insole having an air pump for enhancing wearer comfort and/or for facilitating circulation of air within the wearer's footwear. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the concepts disclosed herein, and it is to be understood that modifications to the various disclosed embodiments may be made, and other embodiments may be utilized, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it should be appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a shoe insole may include a resilient deformable air pump that can be actuated by application of pressure during a walking movement of the wearer. In embodiments, channels may guide air forced from the pump to create air circulation under the wearer's foot.

FIG. 1 depicts an insole 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, insole 100 comprises a foot bed surface 110. Foot bed surface 110 comprises a top surface of insole 100, which may remain in contact with the sole of the wearer's foot. In embodiments, foot bed surface 110 comprises numerous air holes 120 distributed around foot bed surface 110. In various embodiments, foot bed surface 110 is molded as an integral component of insole 100.

In one embodiment, insole 100 comprises air pump 130. In embodiments, air pump 130 comprises a resilient and/or deformable cavity wall adapted to expel air when depressed by the user's foot. One embodiment of air pump 130 is adapted to expand back to its original shape when pressure is released. As air pump 130 expands to its original shape, it can take in air. In one embodiment, air pump 130 is positioned near the rear of insole 100 such that it is positioned under the wearer's heel.

One embodiment of air pump 130 comprises one-way valve 140. One-way valve 140 is adapted to allow air to enter air pump 130 through inlet port 133 while preventing or reducing air flow out of air pump 130 through inlet port 133. In embodiments, inlet port 133 is at the back of the heel of insole 100. Referring to FIG. 2, air expelled from air pump 130 can pass through airflow channels 150.

Airflow channels 150 are adapted to direct air expelled from air pump 130 to air holes 120. Air holes 120 can be distributed around foot bed surface 110 to effectuate air circulation around the wearer's foot bed. In embodiments, air flow may prevent, mitigate, and/or eliminate foot odor, enhance the wearer's comfort, and/or effectuate temperature regulation. In embodiments, air holes 120 can be selectively placed around foot bed surface 110 to optimize air flow and effectuate the desired benefits therefrom. For example, it may be desirable to increase air circulation around the wearer's toes. Air holes 120 may be placed around the toe area on foot bed surface 110 while leaving fewer or no holes in the arch area on foot bed surface 110, which may have the effect of increasing air circulation around the wearer's toes relative to an insole having holes 120 dispersed around both the toe and arch areas. In various embodiments, air holes 120 may be selectively created with various spacing and diameters to result in desired air flow at optimal locations on the sole of the wearer's foot.

In one embodiment, each row of air holes 120 are in fluid communication with one airflow channel 150. In embodiments, airflow channels 150 are oriented from back to front along the bottom of insole 100. In some embodiments, airflow channels 150 comprise grooves in the bottom surface of insole 100. In other embodiments, airflow channels 150 comprise enclosed volumes embedded within insole 100. In other embodiments, airflow channels 150 direct air flow in lateral directions within insole 100.

In one embodiment, entering air may pass through inlet 133 and valve hole 145 into pump chamber 130. Valve hole 145 may be sized and/or shaped such that higher-than ambient air pressure within pump chamber 130 causes valve hole 145 to close or partially constrict, thus directing airflow forward through channels 150. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, inlet port 133 is positioned at the rear of insole 100. In embodiments where insole 100 is placed within footwear, such footwear may have a corresponding air flow hole at the rear of the footwear, through which air may pass before entering inlet port 133 on insole 100. In alternative embodiments, inlet port 133 is positioned at other areas of insole, such as a bottom surface, a side surface, a front surface, or a top surface.

Referring to FIG. 5, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, air pump 130 comprises a cavity that is open to the bottom of insole 100. Embodiments of air pump 130 include a cavity having the shape of a spherical cap. Other embodiments of air pump 130 include a cavity having a partial spheroid shape. Embodiments of insole 100 include air channels 150 that are open to the bottom of insole 100. Insole 100 may be placed within footwear against the upper surface of the sole of said footwear. While thus placed within footwear, said upper surface of the footwear sole may act to partially or completely enclose air pump 130 and/or air channels 150. Referring to FIG. 6, air inlet 133 comprises an internal taper that terminates at valve hole 145. According to embodiments, components of valve 140, air pump 130, and inlet 133 are formed from a unitary piece of a single material.

Embodiments of insole 100 comprise arch support ridge 103 and toe ridge 105. Ridges 103, 105 may enhance the wearer's fit and/or comfort of insole 100. In various embodiments, the size and/or placement of ridges 103, 105, or other similar features may be created on foot bed surface 110. In one embodiment, heel crease 107 comprises multiple folded layers of material, such as polyurethane, material, which may serve to provide increased elasticity and/or wearer comfort.

In various embodiments, insole 100 is manufactured from polyurethane. Other embodiments are manufactured from various other suitable materials. Polyurethane used for insole 100 may exhibit elasticity and/or shock-absorption qualities that may contribute to the wearer's comfort and/or to the effectiveness of air pump 130. In one embodiment, the entire insole 100 is a unitary molded polyurethane component. In some embodiments, insole 100 is coated and/or otherwise covered with additional materials. Such additional materials may include moisture and/or odor absorbent materials. In other embodiments, a layer of padding material is adhered to foot bed surface 110.

In operation, an insole according to the present disclosure may be inserted or placed within various forms of footwear. In other embodiments, an insole as set forth in the present disclosure is manufactured in and integrated with footwear. Insoles may be made for particular shoe sizes or shaped to fit particular types of footwear. In some cases, an insole may be trimmed prior to inserting into footwear to provide for an optimal fit. In some cases, prior to inserting the insole into a shoe, the original shoe insole may be removed from the shoe.

As the wearer walks or runs, the wearer's gait may include a heel strike, a midfoot strike, and/or other types of foot strike. As pressure is applied by the wearer's foot to the insole during foot strike, the air pump can be compressed, thereby expelling air from the air pump cavity. The air may be forced through the channels and one or more outlet holes on the foot bed surface. In one embodiment, pressure from the wearer's foot onto the insole may result in a seal or a partial seal between lower surfaces of the insole and the upper (inside) facing surfaces of the footwear, such that air is directed to the air channels. Accordingly, embodiments of air pump cavity and/or air channels are open to the bottom of the insole but when the insole is placed within the footwear, the air pump cavity and/or air channels become enclosed or partially enclosed by the combined surfaces of the insole and the upper (inside) facing surfaces of the footwear.

Under some circumstances, the air pump may not be compressed by the initial foot strike, but rather by pressure applied to the air pump cavity by later motions in the wearer's gait. In various embodiments, the placement of the air pump cavity may be selected to align to particular gaits and/or foot strikes.

Although the present disclosure is described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, including embodiments that do not provide all of the benefits and features set forth herein, which are also within the scope of this disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed:
 1. An insole, comprising: an air pump cavity beneath a heel portion of the insole, wherein the air pump cavity is open to an underside of the insole; a one-way air inlet valve in communication with the cavity; at least one air channel in communication with the cavity, wherein: the at least one air channel is directed toward a front of the insole; the at least one air channel leads to an outlet hole at a foot bed surface of the insole; and the at least one air channel is open to the underside of the insole.
 2. The insole of claim 1, wherein the air pump cavity has the shape of a spherical cap.
 3. The insole of claim 1, wherein the insole, the air pump cavity, and the at least one air channel jointly comprise a unitary molded component.
 4. The insole of claim 1, wherein the air pump cavity comprises a resilient cavity wall.
 5. The insole of claim 1, wherein the air pump cavity comprises a partial spheroid shape.
 6. The insole of claim 1, wherein the outlet hole passes through the insole.
 7. The insole of claim 1, further comprising multiple additional outlet holes in fluid communication with each of the at least one air channel.
 8. The insole of claim 1, further comprising an absorbent fabric layer adhered to the foot bed surface of the insole.
 9. The insole of claim 1, wherein the insole is placed within a shoe.
 10. The insole of claim 1, wherein the air inlet valve passes through a backward-facing surface of the insole.
 11. A method for using an insole with a footwear, comprising: putting the footwear on a foot, the insole being placed within the footwear, the insole comprising: an air pump cavity beneath a heel portion of the insole, wherein the air pump cavity is open to an underside of the insole; a one-way air inlet valve in communication with the cavity; at least one air channel in communication with the cavity, wherein: the at least one air channel is directed toward a front of the insole; the at least one air channel leads to an outlet hole at a foot bed surface of the insole; and the at least one air channel is open to the underside of the insole; while taking a step, compressing the air pump cavity, thereby expelling air from the air pump cavity, through the at least one air channel, and out the outlet hole; lifting the foot, thereby releasing pressure from the air pump cavity and causing the air pump cavity to expand and take in air through the out-way air inlet.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the air pump cavity has the shape of a spherical cap.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the insole, the air pump cavity, and the at least one air channel jointly comprise a unitary molded component.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the air pump cavity comprises a resilient cavity wall.
 15. The insole of claim 11, wherein the air pump cavity comprises a partial spheroid shape.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the outlet hole passes through the insole.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the insole further comprises multiple additional outlet holes in fluid communication with each of the at least one air channel.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the insole further comprises an absorbent fabric layer adhered to the foot bed surface of the insole.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the air inlet valve passes through a backward-facing surface of the insole. 